The world is in a dire condition. Years upon years with no check and balance on resources that were being exploited and depleted. It has now become the new generation’s responsibility to cut down on one time use products that generate tons of waste everyday. Go zero waste and help set the world on the right path, a path to recovery. Here are 15 things that will help you go from full dustbins to dust collecting in your bins.
1. Food storage does not have to mean using disposable yet hazardous cling film and aluminium foil
One of the toughest things to do is cut down on the use of plastics in our food storage. While tupperware is on the less waste generating side of it, cling film and aluminium foil make up a great quantity of our waste. An alternative to them are The Bees Knees beeswax wraps from Candle Works (@candle_works) that can be reused and are made from organic cotton and are infused with beeswax. They come in a variety of sizes and even in packs such as the sandwich pack. They retail between a range of Rs. 400 to Rs. 930. Place an order and say not to disposable food wraps here!
2. Every drink you buy from a fast food restaurant means an addition to the hundreds of straws thrown away everyday
Have you ever noticed the heaps of trash collected in the trash cans placed outside of restaurants? Packaging aside, you can make a change in your life that will help reduce it. Metal straws from Ismail Homes (@ismail.homes) are a healthy and affordable change to your routine. You can keep it in your car for whenever you get takeaway and some in your home as well. Just let the restaurant know that you do not want any straws with your food and make a reduction in your waste. They come in a variety of colours and look elegant in their design as well. One is priced at Rs. 410. Shop for yours here and stop using disposable straws.
3. Things that seem like a normal part of life such as plastic bags are the most hazardous waste products
Everyone is familiar with shopping bags but they are actually one of the biggest issues in waste reduction. It is very easy to just get your groceries in a plastic bag and just throw it away when you get back but it is not environmentally feasible. A helpful change would be to buy Cloth Bags from The Warehouse (@thewarehousepk) that you can use for your groceries and in general around the house as well. It will reduce the amount of shopping bags that go to waste everyday. They have different sizes, designs and styles available. The cloth bags on their website are priced at around Rs. 999. Place an order for yours here!
4. Plastic cutlery has become a norm that needs to be discouraged now
Small restaurants, fast food and take away all promote the use of plastic cutlery which is extremely harmful for the environmental balance. It is also a harm to the wildlife and aquatic life. To replace that you can use wooden and still disposable cutlery from EcoPak (@ecopakonline) that can be bought in bulk at affordable rates. They offer a variety of options of cutlery including variants of spoons and various sizes. They are priced starting at Rs. 450. Buy yours here now!
5. Combs and hairbrushes are made from a plastic type that are hazardous to the environment and are not good for your hair either
Easily accessible plastic hair brushes are a part of everyone’s everyday use. However, the plastic is not healthy for your hair and creates static and eventually, when it is disposed of, adds to a harmful effect caused by non-biodegradable plastics. This wooden brush from Nashonuma (@nashonumapk) is long lasting, good for your hair health and also the environment. They have brushes and combs both available made with a safe bamboo material. They are priced from Rs. 325 to Rs. 1395. Shop for yours here!
6. Toothpaste is an everyday use product and thus plays a huge part in waste generation
Not only is the production of toothpaste a task that is not safe for the environment, the rapid use of toothpaste results in huge heaps of waste being created. There are many alternatives to toothpastes that are just as good and maybe even better for your teeth. The natural tooth powder from Mah.Riyah (@mah.riyah) has nutrients that strengthen your teeth and revitalises them by adding missing minerals. It comes in a jar that can also be repurposed and recycled. One jar is priced at Rs. 700. Shop for your teeth powder here!
7. Speaking of teeth, your toothbrushes are not so safe for the environment either
Your toothbrushes are mostly easily replaceable and thus feel disposable but in actuality the plastic they are made from is bad for the environment because it breaks down and becomes a part of the biological ecosystem. A safe alternative is these Bamboo Toothbrushes at TrashIt (@trashitpk) They are affordable and just as useful as “normal” toothbrushes. It’s minimalistic design will also be a cute addition to your bathroom that doesn’t mess with the bathroom decor. One is priced at Rs. 250. Place your order here!
8. Shampoo bottles are extremely damaging to the environment
Something that is seemingly so normal is shockingly in reality an extremely unsafe and waste producing product. Not only that, the chemicals in standardised shampoos do more harm than good. Instead of that use Shampoo Bars from Primal Hair and Skincare (@primal.hairandskincare) that are eco-friendly and all natural. Each shampoo bar will last you 25-30 washes and they are less economically wasteful as well. One bar is priced at Rs. 750 and weighs around 125 grams. Go and place your order here!
9. Your daily use soap comes in disposable, harmful packaging that simply goes into your trash without a second thought
Soaps are an everyday use product and there is nothing that can be done about that, however the packaging is an unnecessary waste product and does nothing but add to the trash can capacity. Moreover, harmful chemicals in popular soaps are damaging to your skin as well. Buy these natural soaps from Soap-ish (@naturalsoapish) that are better for your skin with its organic ingredients. They come in environmentally conscious packaging which is a huge plus. They are priced ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000 so there is something for everyone. Grab yours here!
10. Safe and hygienic products for your periods often play a huge part of waste generation
As an environmentally conscious person who gets periods it is often hard to find products that are safe for the environment but also hygienic enough to keep you safe during your time of the month. Instead of disposable pads and tampons you can use a menstrual cup from Recircle (@recircle.life) that will help you save the environment one period at a time. They are not only safe for the environment but also safe for your wallets. One is priced at Rs. 2000 and can be reused. Shop yours here!
11. Every Pakistani household drinks chai on the regular and thus creates waste because of it
Teabags and plastic tea containers are simply unsafe for the environment. They are a product that is used daily and thus needs to change so that it does not become a burden on the environment. Teazuro (@teazuro) has loose tea that comes in tins which is a safer alternative to an everyday use product. They even have pyramid tea bags that are not harmful to the environment. They are priced starting as Rs. 795. Grab your environmentally safe tea here!
All products are selected by the editors.